Obituary of Renee Ellen Jesionowski

Renee “Naiko” Ellen Jesionowski, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend, lost her brave battle with cancer on Saturday, August 31, 2019.

 

Renee was born on June 10, 1969, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Mary Ann LaJoe and James Clayton Randall, joining her brothers John and Nick. She spent her early childhood years in Ohio and California before settling in Washington at the age of twelve. Renee was a shining star on her synchronized swim team. She loved the combination of water and sunshine and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy both. Mary Ann shared a love of live music with her daughter and together, they attended countless concerts and performances throughout Renee’s youth. Mother and daughter were very close and their moments together were filled with joking and laughter. 

 

Renee lost her precious mother in 1983, and gathering up her cats and concert posters, moved with her childhood best friend and family to the Olympic Peninsula, living in a cabin on the edge of the Olympic National Park and attending Crescent High School in Joyce, Washington. As a youngster, Renee was a ton of fun and full of kindness for all. She loved her black leather jacket, AC/DC on full blast, and lots of time with family and friends. 

 

On July 25, 1985, Renee welcomed her only child, Joel, into the world. Two years later she met Edwin Jesionowski, and in the fall of 1990 they were married. Edwin and Renee created a beautiful home together in Sequim, complete with a pond for their Koi fish, fire pit for gatherings with friends and family, and lots of room for their beloved dogs to run and play. Even as a youth, Joel was an accomplished musician and their barn was a favorite place for jam sessions and pool tournaments. Joel eventually formed his own band and Renee loved showing up for his concerts. On June 26, 2010, Renee’s grandson and light of her life, Aymon, was born. Being Aymon’s Gramma Nae became her ultimate joy and she spent every moment with him that she could. 

 

Renee was a hard worker, spending some years working with Edwin at Olympic Laundry in Port Angeles, where she was loved by coworkers and customers alike. She went on to work in retail and food service in Sequim and made lifelong friends within the community. In more recent years, Renee was the best darned bartender in the Tacoma area, where she had moved to be closer to her grandson. There she created another family of friends who thought the world of her, as we all do. Renee was blessed to spend this last, precious year with her partner, Chad Sage, who remained by her side and cared diligently for her. An accomplished guitarist, Chad delighted her by filling their home with music. She was also very proud of Chad’s culinary prowess and bragged about the meals he would prepare and serve to her. If only they’d had more time.

 

Renee had a truly amazing sense of humor that never quit. She brought laughter and good-natured ribbing into even the most stressful situations. She was not a fan of having her picture taken and everyone in her circle has at least one photo telling us off for “doing it again.” Renee loved music. Any and all music. Her life held some challenging seasons and she had an entire vault of music to get her through the difficult times. She was always planning the next concert, often grabbing a ticket or two for friends, sacrificing sleep to get home before work the next day. Renee loved animals, and her fur babies were her dear family members. She fretted over and cared tirelessly for her beloved dogs, Peaches and Lucy. 

 

Our favorite thing about Renee was her beautiful heart. She loved generously and unconditionally, never hesitating to help where there was a need. She brought sunshine into a room, just by being in it, and she will be deeply missed by us all. 

 

Renee is survived by her partner and love, Chad Sage; her grandson, Aymon Hilt; momma, Judy Lesure; brothers, John Hundza (Sharee), Nick Hundza, Ed Barber (Melissa), and Guy Lesure; sisters, Jaime Edwards (Michael) and Jessie Sanford (Ryan); best friend, April Bobier; several precious nieces and nephews, a host of dear family and friends, and her fur baby, Lucy. Renee was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joel; her husband, Edwin; her mother, Mary Ann; and her pitbull, Peaches.

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